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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Great Southwest Featuring the Grand Canyon

7-day Amtrak and Grand Canyon Railway trip, Chicago to Los Angeles

Illustration of Great Southwest Featuring the Grand Canyon

Railbookers operates this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation from Chicago to Los Angeles, with the operator's Rail Expert support along the way rather than a fixed escorted group. Amtrak's Southwest Chief carries travelers overnight from Chicago through canyon passages to Flagstaff, where an included Ultimate Jeep Tour explores Sedona's Soldiers Pass Trail and the views from Bear Wallow Canyon. A short rail hop continues to Williams, the starting point for the Grand Canyon Railway into Grand Canyon National Park, where a motorcoach tour covers the South Rim before a night near the canyon. The return rail journey to Williams includes dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant, followed by an overnight Amtrak leg in Coach accommodations to Los Angeles, closing with a hop-on, hop-off tour past the Hollywood sign and Rodeo Drive. With hotels chosen from a list of options at each stop and Coach-class rail throughout, this trip suits travelers who want a scenic Southwest rail route through canyon country without the cost of a private sleeper cabin.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists several hotel options for Chicago, Flagstaff, and Los Angeles, and two named Grand Canyon properties, the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and Yavapai Lodge, without specifying which one is booked.
  • Rail travel is in Amtrak Coach accommodations for both overnight legs, not a private sleeper cabin.
  • Only 2 meals are listed as included across the trip, 1 breakfast and 1 dinner; other meals are not specified as included.
  • The evidence pack does not list current departure dates; confirm scheduling directly with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1rail

    Your Journey Begins in Chicago

    Welcome to Chicago! Breeze into the Windy City and travel on your own to the Amtrak® station to board the Southwest Chief® headed west to Flagstaff. This majestic train ride takes you through curving canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself, allowing you to see spectacular landscapes and pristine vistas not visible from any highway. Just sit back and enjoy the scenery as you make your way to Arizona! (Overnight onboard Amtrak)

  2. Day 2overnight: Flagstaff

    Flagstaff, AZ

    You'll arrive in Flagstaff this evening. This gorgeous city is filled with astounding natural wonders, invigorating outdoor recreation and fascinating cultural attractions. Check into your hotel and relax for the night. Tomorrow you will get to see all the natural gems this area has to offer.

  3. Day 3rail

    Flagstaff to Williams

    Your day begins in Sedona with an included Ultimate Jeep Tour, where you’ll explore the rugged Soldiers Pass Trail and enjoy scenic views from Bear Wallow Canyon overlooking Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. After the tour, you’ll travel to Flagstaff, where you’ll have free time to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, you will make your own way to the Amtrak station to board a train to Williams. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, where you can relax and enjoy a restful night before your Grand Canyon adventure the following day.

  4. Day 4railovernight: the Grand Canyon

    Williams to Grand Canyon

    This morning you will enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant, the perfect starting place for your Grand Canyon adventure! Then, you will hop aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, which will take you right into the heart of Grand Canyon National Park. Enjoy a motorcoach tour of the Canyon's majestic South Rim. Take in some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in North America, formed over millions of years. B

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5rail

    Grand Canyon to Williams to Los Angeles

    This morning, spend some time enjoying the fresh canyon air while you leisurely explore all the Grand Canyon's astounding sights. This afternoon, board the Grand Canyon Railway for your return trip back to Williams. Then, this evening, you will be treated to an included dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant. After dinner, head to the Amtrak station and board the train to Los Angeles. (Overnight onboard Amtrak) D

    Meals: D

  6. Day 6overnight: Los Angeles

    Los Angeles, CA

    You will arrive in Los Angles this morning, a city renowned for its diverse culture and free spirit. Grab your camera and get ready to tour the "City of Angels." On your hop-on, hop-off tour today, you will get to see iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, the Walk of Fame, Paramount Studios and many great LA hot spots. Be sure to keep your eyes open because you very well may spot a celebrity or two!

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Los Angeles

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Southwest Chief carries travelers from Chicago through curving canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself, revealing landscapes not visible from any highway.
  • Day 3An included Ultimate Jeep Tour explores Sedona's rugged Soldiers Pass Trail with views from Bear Wallow Canyon overlooking Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.
  • Day 4The Grand Canyon Railway carries travelers from Williams into Grand Canyon National Park for a motorcoach tour of the South Rim.
  • Day 5After a morning exploring the Grand Canyon, travelers return by rail to Williams for dinner at the Fred Harvey Restaurant before boarding the overnight Amtrak train to Los Angeles.
  • Day 6A hop-on, hop-off tour of Los Angeles takes in the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, the Walk of Fame, and Paramount Studios.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Flagstaff; Flagstaff to Williams, Williams to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief® Roundtrip transfers from Flagstaff to Sedona 4 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights' onboard Amtrak 2 meals (1 breakfast, 1 dinner)

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price of this trip?
Yes. One-way Amtrak in Coach accommodations is included from Chicago to Flagstaff, Flagstaff to Williams, and Williams to Los Angeles, plus a roundtrip on the Grand Canyon Railway between Williams and Grand Canyon National Park.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with Rail Expert support rather than a fixed escorted group.
Which trains are used on this trip?
Amtrak's Southwest Chief and the Grand Canyon Railway.
Is overnight sleeper accommodation included?
The evidence describes two nights onboard Amtrak in Coach accommodations rather than a private sleeper cabin.
What hotels are used?
The evidence lists several hotel options for Chicago, Flagstaff, and Los Angeles, and names the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and Yavapai Lodge for the Grand Canyon stop, without specifying which is booked.
How much does this trip cost?
Railbookers prices this trip from $1,499 per person, in USD.

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